Fall 2016
Updated 3/28/2016
FIRST YEAR HOUSING GUIDE
Letts-Anderson-Centennial Halls
hp
American
University
&
Housing & Dining
Programs
american.edu/housing | housing@american.edu | facebook.com/auhdp | twitter.com/auhdp
Living at American University
Welcome to American University! Our resident students have a strong tradition of engagement,
pride, and spirit. We encourage you to continue this tradition by connecting with your neighbors to
develop your floor and D.C. community.
Your Housing Community
All first-year residence halls have a traditional design with corridor-style rooms and community
bathrooms, as well as a shared lounge, kitchen, laundry room, and study area. First-year students will be
housed in Anderson, Hughes, Letts, or Roper Halls. Many students choose to participate in Living
Learning Communities to enhance their on-campus experience (pp. 4-5).
Housing Assignments
First-year students select housing from double, permanent triple, or temporary triple room types.
Because room designations are assigned based on date of enrollment, early submission of enrollment
and housing deposit increases the likelihood of receiving a double room type. Once all double rooms
are allocated, students are assigned to temporary triple rooms for the fall semester. It is anticipated that
the majority of first-year students will be assigned to temporary triple rooms. Page 7 highlights the
housing selection process.
Temporary Triple Room Note: Students assigned to a temporary triple room will be detripled when there
is an opportunity to move one occupant to a double room or when there is a vacancy in a temporary
triple space. Students are then prorated for the cost of a double room for the remainder of the
semester.
Roommate Selection
You will have an opportunity to search and select roommate(s) on the AU Housing Portal in mid-May.
Please note that roommate groups and room preferences will be limited to your program, cohort, and
room type.
Traditional Double Room:
$4,900 per semester, per student
Traditional Temporary Triple Room:
$3,657 per semester, per student
Additional images of traditional double and triple rooms
can be found on our website at american.edu/housing
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Living on Campus
Residence Hall Staff
Each floor has an upperclass student staff member known as a Resident Assistant (RA). RAs offer
learning opportunities through specialized programming, provide support in mediating conflicts, and
help with the transition to college. Additionally, each building has a live-in, full-time professional staff
member known as a Community Director (CD). Some residence halls also have an Assistant
Community Director (ACD). CDs and ACDs provide support to students and lead in the planning of
learning opportunities for the entire community.
Room Features
First-year residence hall rooms are equipped with wireless and wired internet, as well as HD cable
television access. Additionally, most first-year rooms are carpeted and have central air conditioning and
heat. Students may rent microwave and refrigerator units, as well as bed lofts online at
american.edu/ocl/housing/roomrentals.cfm.
Safety and Security
American University’s Department of Public Safety is committed to enhancing the safety of all
students. Crime prevention efforts include a 24-hour escort service, emergency phones located across
campus, and physical defense courses. Residence halls are locked 24-hours per day and can only be
accessed using your One Card (AU ID card). Students may visit other halls with a resident escort.
Important Policies for Residence Halls
• Quiet hours are maintained to accommodate sleeping and study hours. The residence halls maintain
quiet hours 11 p.m.-8 a.m. on weeknights, 1 a.m.-10 a.m. on weekends, and are in effect 24 hours per
day during final exam period.
• Smoking is prohibited in the residence halls. American University is a tobacco-free campus.
• For additional university policies and stardards, please review the Student Code of Conduct.
Start Building Your Packing List!
• Standard Twin Sheets and Pillow Case(s)
•Pillow(s) and Blankets
• Hand and Bath Towels
• Alarm Clock
• Desk Lamp (Non-Halogen)
• Television (HD compatible)
• Headphones for quiet hours
• Computer
• Hangers
• Laundry Bag/Basket
• Iron (may only be used in laundry room)
• Trash Can / Recycle Bin
• Dishes, Glasses and Eating Utensils
• Shower Shoes (flip-flops)
• Toiletry Bag
Make your checklist with american.edu/ocl/housing/whattobring.cfm
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Living Learning Communities
Living Learning Communities (LLCs) are cohorts of students living together to explore a
common interest or pursuit. Some LLCs are organized around a theme or community interest.
Others center on a specific academic course or program. LLCs are a great way for students to
develop a strong sense of community and learn in and out of the classroom.
Academic Based Programs
The Honors Program*
The University Honors Program provides a
unique blend of programs for first-year students.
Housed in Hughes Hall, the Honors Program
includes faculty lectures, debates, and events
planned by the Honors Student Board.
University College (UC)*
The University College Program strives to create
a unique co-curricular living-learning experience
for students. Students participating in UC,
located in Anderson Hall, live together with other
students in University College courses.
AU Scholars*
First-year students admitted to the AU Scholars
Program live together in Letts Hall. This learning
community is a scholarly environment that
challenges students to think deeply and take an
active role in uncovering new knowledge.
*Students must apply for these programs separately from
their application for on-campus housing.
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Living Learning Communities
Common Interest Programs
Community Based Research
Scholars*
Students admitted to the Community Based
Research Scholars program will be housed in
Hughes Hall. This community is for students with
a demonstrated interest in community service and
deepening classroom learning through service and
research projects.
Three-Year Scholars*
The Three-Year Scholars program, located in Letts
Hall, is reserved for students admitted to the Global
Scholars Program in the School of International
Service; the Public Health Program in the College
of Arts and Sciences; or the Politics, Policy, and
Law Program in the School of Public Affairs.
*Students must apply for these programs separately from
their application for on-campus housing.
Social Justice
The Social Justice LLC is for students with a
passion for creating positive social change
and exploring aspects of social justice. This
community features open gender housing in
Roper Hall. Students have the option to live
with a roommate with whom they are most
comfortable without consideration for the
individual’s sex, gender, or gender
expression.
The Leadership Academy
The Leadership Academy is for students
who have passions for leadership, learning,
and service. The Leadership Academy,
housed in Anderson Hall, provides several
opportunities. These opportunities include
academic and professional networking,
seminars, lectures, and more.
Apply for these communities via your AU
Housing Portal application beginning
Friday, April 1.
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What About Campus Dining?
Meal Plan Options
All first and second semester resident students will
select a 175 Block or larger meal plan. Meal swipes
are accepted in the Terrace Dining Room (TDR),
Einstein’s Bagels, Freshii, Global Fresh, Elevation
Burger, Bene Pizza, P.O.D., and Subway.
Dining Dollars and
EagleBucks – What’s the
difference?
Dining Dollars and EagleBucks are both
pre-loaded balance funds included with each meal
plan and can be accessed with your One Card.
EagleBucks can be utilized on campus and at
several off-campus locations, while Dining Dollars
are only accepted at on-campus food service
locations. Meal plans include $200 EagleBucks
and $200 Dining Dollars per semester. Additional
value can be added at EagleBucks.com.
Personal Nutrition
American University is committed to quality and
customer satisfaction through excellent food and
service. Food service at AU is provided by AU
Dining Services.
AU Dining Services works to accommodate all
dietary needs. The Worry Free Zone in TDR
features separate menu items and cookware for
Look for the
EagleBucks logo!
those with certain allergies, such as gluten and
nut allergies; as well as Kosher-friendly food
and microwaves. We encourage you to reach
out to our campus registered dietician, Jo-Ann
Jolly (jjolly@american.edu), who is able to meet
one-on-one with students to discuss individual
needs.
Go off-campus with your EagleBucks!
• Burger, Tap & Shake
• Cava Grill
• Chipotle
• Domino’s Pizza
• Panera Bread
• Satay Club
• Whole Foods Market
• Z-Burger
View the entire list at bit.ly/eaglebucks
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Your Next Steps
Get started at American University with the checklist below. All housing information will be sent to
your AU email address, so check it often!
Step 1: Housing Application: You will receive an invitation to complete a housing
application through your AU email address. The deadline to complete the application is
Tuesday, May 3, which will allow you to participate in Steps 2 and 3. If you do not complete
the housing application by May 3, Housing & Dining Programs staff will assign your room
and roommate.
Associated Deadlines
• Students interested in joining a Living Learning Community must apply by Tuesday, May 3.
• Students with questions about gender identity or expression concerning campus housing
should contact us or the Center for Diversity and Inclusion (CDI, cdi@american.edu) prior to
the May 3 deadline to discuss available options.
• Students with questions or requests on disability-related housing accommodations should visit
Academic Support & Access Center (ASAC) for information and submit a request. Requests
must be received by ASAC by Thursday, April 28.
Webpage: american.edu/ocl/asac/Disability-Related-Housing-Accommodations-Requests.cfm
Step 2: Roommate Selection: You will receive an email invitation to complete a roommate
matching profile in mid-May. You’ll also have an opportunity to search profiles and match
with future roommate(s) during this period. This email will also notify you as to whether you
will be able to select from double or triple room options during room self-selection in June.
Note: Students in a double room will search and select one roommate. Students in a temporary
or permanent triple will search and select two roommates.
Step 3: Room Selection: In early June, you will receive an email specifying a date and time to
select a residence hall and room, which will be selected online. Please note that room options
will be limited by program, LLCs, and room type designations.
Step 4: One Card Photo Submission: Say Cheese! We strongly encourage you to submit
your photo online for your AU One Card. You can view the instructions and upload your
photo on your myAU Portal. Just make sure you do so by July 31! If you aren’t able to do so,
there will be an opportunity to have your photo taken during your Eagle Summit session.
Step 5: Eagle Summit Orientation: At Eagle Summit, you’ll experience campus first-hand.
Among other events, you will have the opportunity to spend the night in a residence hall, learn
more about various programs, and meet classmates and community members.
Step 6: Move-In: Residence halls open on Saturday, August 20. Look
out for an email from your Community Director in early August with
specific instructions regarding assigned move-in times and important
information about your hall. You can find a move-in schedule on
american.edu/housing starting in July. The first day of classes is
Monday, August 29.
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STAY IN TOUCH!
@AUHDP